homeostasis

noun

ho·​meo·​sta·​sis ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs 

: a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group

striving to achieve homeostasis

homeostatic

ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈsta-tik 

adjective

Examples of homeostasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bangladesh, as a whole, is also trying to find homeostasis in the wake of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s sudden resignation and departure nearly three months ago. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

Maintaining cellular fitness and function requires continuous protein balance or homeostasis. —New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2024

Without circadian rhythms, the body's ability to maintain homeostasis—including functions like sleep, appetite, digestion, body temperature, and hormone release—would be severely compromised. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2024

Apoptosis rids the body of damaged cells, helping maintain homeostasis (a stable internal environment) and prevent cancer and many other health issues.5 Can Help Manage Certain Health Conditions When taken in supplement form, proteases may offer several benefits. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

homeostasis

noun

ho·​meo·​sta·​sis ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs 

: a tendency for the conditions inside the body of an animal (as a mammal) to stay pretty much the same even when outside environmental conditions (as temperature) change

homeostatic

-ˈstat-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

homeostasis

noun

ho·​meo·​sta·​sis

variants or British homoeostasis

ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs 

: the maintenance of relatively stable internal physiological conditions (as body temperature or the pH of blood) in higher animals under fluctuating environmental conditions

also : the process of maintaining a stable psychological state in the individual under varying psychological pressures or stable social conditions in a group under varying social, environmental, or political factors

homeostatic adjective

or British homoeostatic

-ˈstat-ik 

homeostatically adjective

or British homoeostatically

-i-k(ə-)lē